Ford sport track? Or Dodge dakoda?

This will be my frist truck, and well I'm stuck here lol. Just so you know I'm a bit of a ford fan! However I like Dodge as well.

Now! The vehicles i'm looking at, are a 2003 ford sport trac ( No 4x4) Love the body style! However we hear good things about the truck, and bad things. Time Chan issues, and tranny replacement are one of them. So I really want the truck, but a little uncertain about who I'm buying it from. She wants 3,995. It has 130,000 mileage and its been tho 4 owners! Looks good, and sounds great! Other than a tire replacement, and battery that looks like it belongs in a toy car. Other than that! It looks good!

It's rival! The 2002 Dodge Dakota quad cab ( 4x4) Not a huge fan of the design but it looks okay! Wants 3,995 from what I can see by the post. It's in really good condition. Everything looks clean! However looks can be deceiving. Has not put how many milage it has so i don't know. Have no idea how many owners have this vehicle gone too. Never the less, going to contact the seller today. Haven't heard anything bad form the Dodge dakodas. Other than the rust. ( every time I see a Dodge rust! XD)

Okay! So by your guys experience! On owning anyone of theses vehicles. Witch one I'm I better off going with? ( I like both and I'm still going to try test drive the Dodge. Just want to hear your opinion.

Stick with the ford. I love mine

For your budget there are many good vehicles.
The two you have chosen are reasonable candidates. Just to kind of make you think, here are some more choices:
1. Mitsubishi Montero 2001 and above= 3.5V6 200+Hp The reason I picked this vehicle is because when you drive it although it may not be exactly quick you feel reasonably comfortable and the looks of it does not look very ancient. If well maintained this could be cool
2.Honda CRV 2002 or any generation= It maybe smaller than your 2 choices but it has fulltime 4wd. Secondly you can buy a stick shift car for your budget. Stick shift is the better transmission!
3.Audi Allroad= comes usually with a 2.7 Turbo V6. High Ground clearance and a turbo. Plus a fantastic interior

What ford do you have? If you don't mine me asking.

If the Ford had under 100K on it, I'd say go for that one. But with 130K, you're in the danger zone for the timing chain issue. Those 4.0's are notorious for that and when they go, it's instantly. Then there's the time and expense to replace the engine. I'd stay away.

The Dakota is likely more rusty, but the drivetrain is much more reliable. Of the two, get the Dodge. Have someone familiar with 4x4's check the Dodge out.